🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

3 Series Convertible

Year:

2003

Body Style:

Convertible

Platform Generation:

E46

Chassis Code:

E46 Convertible

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Premium Compact Executive Sports Convertible

Competitors:

Audi A4 Cabriolet, Mercedes-Benz CLK Convertible, Lexus IS Convertible (later models), Saab 9-3 Convertible

Driving Dynamics:

Renowned BMW handling, rear-wheel drive, balanced chassis

Convertible System:

Fully automatic soft-top with manual or power operation, often with a heated glass rear window

Interior Appointments:

Driver-focused cockpit, quality materials, available leather upholstery, premium sound systems

Performance Orientation:

Focus on driver engagement and performance, especially in M Sport variants or higher engine outputs

📋 Manual Details

Areas Covered:

Introduction, Instrument Cluster, Controls and Features, Operation, Safety, Technical Data, Maintenance, Emergency Procedures, Care and Cleaning, Troubleshooting

Estimated Page Count:

Approx. 300-400 pages (typical for this era and model)

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital PDF (Instant Download)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Engine operation, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel system, ignition system, emissions control system

Transmission Systems:

Automatic and Manual transmission operation, fluid requirements (if applicable)

Chassis Systems:

Steering system, suspension system, braking system (ABS, DSC), wheel and tire information

Electrical Systems:

Lighting systems, instrument cluster and indicators, power windows, power seats, convertible top operation, climate control, audio system, basic electrical component locations

Body And Interior:

Convertible top operation and care, interior controls, seats, safety belts, airbags, storage compartments

Basic Maintenance:

Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid), tire pressure checks, changing windshield wiper blades, bulb replacement

Emergency Procedures:

Jump starting, changing a flat tire, using emergency tools, warning lights and their meanings

Operation:

Starting and driving the vehicle, convertible top operation, climate control usage, audio system operation, parking

Depth:

Owner-level information for safe operation, basic maintenance, and understanding vehicle features. Does not include detailed diagnostic procedures or step-by-step repair instructions typical of a BMW Service Manual.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely searchable text, enabling quick navigation to specific topics.

Quality:

High-resolution scan of original factory manual, ensuring clarity of text and diagrams.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options 2003:

Commonly 325Ci (M54B25) and 330Ci (M54B30) inline-six engines. May also include earlier 323Ci (M52TUB25) or specific market variants.

325Ci Horsepower:

Approx. 184 hp @ 6000 rpm

325Ci Torque:

Approx. 175 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm

330Ci Horsepower:

Approx. 225 hp @ 5900 rpm

330Ci Torque:

Approx. 214 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm

Injection Type:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Octane Rating:

Premium Unleaded (91 AKI or higher recommended)

ECU Type:

Siemens MS43 or MS45 DME (Digital Motor Electronics)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Std:

5-speed Manual Transmission (Getrag 420G or ZF S5D-310Z)

Transmission Type Opt:

5-speed Steptronic Automatic Transmission (GM A5S360R or A5S325Z)

Steptronic Functionality:

Allows manual gear selection via shifter or steering wheel buttons (on some models)

Manual Transmission Fluid:

BMW approved manual transmission fluid (e.g., Pentosin MTF LT-2 or equivalent)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

BMW LT-2 ATF (e.g., Pentosin ATF1 or equivalent)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 177.4 inches (4506 mm)

Width:

Approx. 68.8 inches (1748 mm)

Height:

Approx. 53.4 inches (1356 mm)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 107.4 inches (2729 mm)

Trunk Volume Convertible Up:

Approx. 11.1 cubic feet (314 liters)

Trunk Volume Convertible Down:

Approx. 7.4 cubic feet (210 liters)

Curb Weight 325Ci:

Approx. 3700-3900 lbs (1680-1770 kg)

Curb Weight 330Ci:

Approx. 3750-3950 lbs (1700-1790 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

Likely Good (4-star equivalent for the era, though specific convertible ratings can vary)

IIHS Side Impact:

Likely Acceptable or Good (for Coupe/Sedan variants of E46, convertible ratings may differ slightly)

Traction Control:

Automatic Stability Control (ASC) or Automatic Stability Control + Traction (ASC+T) on most models

Stability Control:

Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) became more common in this generation, especially later models

Braking System:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard, optional Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)

Airbags:

Front airbags, front side-impact airbags. Convertible models may have reinforced A-pillars and pop-up roll bars behind the rear seats.

Roll Over Protection:

Active rollover protection system (pop-up roll bars) integrated behind the rear headrests

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

BMW Business CD or Professional CD, often with AM/FM radio, CD player. Optional navigation system (MK III or MK IV unit) and premium audio systems (Harman Kardon).

Climate Control:

Manual or Automatic Climate Control (IHKA - Integrated Automatic Climate Control) with front and rear defrosters.

Parking Assistance:

Optional Rear Park Distance Control (PDC) sensors.

Onboard Computer:

Integrated On-Board Computer (OBC) providing fuel consumption, range, average speed, and other vehicle data.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most models.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

BMW Condition Based Service (CBS) system typically recommended oil changes every 10,000-15,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first. Early models might have fixed intervals of 7,500-10,000 miles.

Brake Fluid Change:

Every 2 years, regardless of mileage

Coolant Change:

BMW Blue coolant, interval varies but often around 4-5 years or 60,000 miles for the first change, then potentially shorter intervals.

Engine Oil Spec:

SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 synthetic oil meeting BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or Longlife-98 (LL-98) specifications. Consult the manual for exact recommendation.

Coolant Type:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based)

Power Steering Fluid:

BMW Approved Power Steering Fluid (e.g., Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent)

Common E46 Issues:

Cooling system components (water pump, thermostat, expansion tank), VANOS system (variable camshaft timing), oil filter housing gasket leaks, subframe mounting points cracking, CCV (crankcase ventilation) system failure, convertible top hydraulic leaks or mechanism issues, ignition coil failures, mass airflow sensor (MAF) issues.

Tire Pressure Maintenance:

Check tire pressures regularly (refer to door jamb sticker for correct PSI) and inspect tread wear.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Philosophy:

"The Ultimate Driving Machine" - emphasis on performance, handling, and driver engagement.

E46 Generation Introduction:

The E46 generation 3 Series was introduced in 1998. The convertible variant (E46 Convertible) debuted for the 1999 model year.

E46 Facelift:

The E46 generation received a significant facelift (LCI - Life Cycle Impulse) for the 2001 model year, which included updated styling, interior trim, and often mechanical revisions.

Production Years E46 Convertible:

1999-2006

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily Dingolfing, Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver Best 10:

The 3 Series platform (E46 sedan/coupe) frequently appeared on Car and Driver's 10Best lists during its production run, highlighting its exceptional driving dynamics.

Consumer Reports:

While specific convertible ratings can vary, the E46 3 Series generally received positive reviews for performance and handling from publications like Consumer Reports.

Safety Certifications:

Compliant with all applicable US Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) for the 2003 model year.